June - August 2024 Beaver County Senior News

Namath family name well known in Beaver County and beyond

By Gina Mazza

The Namath family name is well known in Beaver County and far beyond, in great part to the AFL and NFL football legend and Super Bowl MVP Joe Namath, 80, who was quarterback for the New York Jets and the Los Angeles Rams. A Beaver Falls native, “Broadway Joe” was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985. Yet various other members of the local Namath family are just as loved and valued in Beaver County.

“The Namath name in western Pennsylvania goes COMPLIMENTARY

beyond football,” comments Franklin L. Namath, Jr., 56, of Chippewa Township. “Joe is my dad’s little brother, and here in western Pennsylvania, my uncles all made names for themselves even before Joe ever threw a pass in the NFL.”

Many local residents knew Frank’s father, Franklin L. Namath, Sr., of Chippewa Township, who founded Namath Insurance Advisors after working in the insurance industry since 1959. “My dad was laid off from the steel mill, and had

a wife—my mom—and two kids at home at that time,” Frank Jr. explains. “He started working for Monumental Life Insurance and earned his way up to being a manager. The next promotion to regional manager would have involved travel, and that wasn’t in his interest. So, when Nationwide recruited him in the late 1970s to help advise other agents how to sell variable life insurance, he started his own agency with Nationwide, which eventually became Namath Insurance Advisors.”

The company takes a personalized approach to providing various types of insurance—including life, financial, Medicare, property and casualty, and business. Frank Jr. joined the company in 1995, alongside with his older brother, Michael Namath, 66, of Beaver Falls, who came on board in 1984. “Dad was diagnosed with dementia in April 2023, which progressed rapidly, but he continued to work up until that time at the age of 85.”

Frank, Sr. passed on January 1, making this month the first Father’s Day without him. “The blessing is

information and referral services, call the Beaver County Office on Aging at: (724) 847-2262 or (888) 548-2262 (long distance)

The late Franklin Namath, Sr. of Chippewa Township, founder of Namath Insurance Advisors.

Welcome to summer, everyone! It’s time for festivals, picnics, parades, community days and more. Check out our event listings on pages 3, 4, 14 and 15 for events happening around Beaver County.

Senior Farmers Market vouchers will be distributed throughout the county to those who are eligible; see pages 9 and 10 for details.

Happy July 4! May God bless our country.

Summer and holiday events happening this summer in Beaver County

Garrison Day Art, Craft and Antique Sale

Saturday, June 8, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Downtown Beaver (724) 987-0103

Sponsored by the Beaver Area Heritage Foundation. Come out for this 45th annual art, craft and antique sale.

Juneteenth Community Celebration

Saturday, June 15, 2 to 6 p.m.

Second Ave. Playground, Eighth St., Beaver Falls (724) 847-2800

Come and celebrate Juneteenth with music, vendors, kid’s activities, food trucks and more. Sponsored by the City of Beaver Falls. Free and open to the public.

Relay for Life of Beaver County

Saturday, June 15, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.

Irvine Park Gazebo, Third St., Beaver

Take part in this fundraising effort for the America Cancer Society. Enjoy food trucks, bouncy house, live music, games, and more.

Beaver County Boom and Community Day Celebration

Saturday, June 29 (all day) Monaca (724) 775-9600

Reece’s Roundup East Coast 5K Race / 1-Mile Walk

Saturday, July 6, 8 a.m. to noon

Irvine Park Gazebo, Third St., Beaver Register at Runsignup.com

This fundraiser is for a local resident, Reece, who is fighting Spinal Muscular Atrophy. Pets, strollers and bikes welcome. There will also be an auction.

Fourth of July Concert in Quay Park

Sunday, July 7, 7 p.m.

Quay Park, Third St., Beaver (724) 775-7174

Come and enjoy patriotic music in a beautiful park setting. Sponsored by the Beaver Area Heritage Foundation. Free.

Beaver libraries offer arts, crafts, classes, book clubs and more this summer

Libraries around Beaver County regularly host a variety of educational classes, book clubs, entertaining arts and craft gatherings, and more. Join in one or more of the following events and enjoy the summer fun.

Upcoming Library Programs and Events

Beaver Area Memorial Library

Beaver Library Book Sale

May 31 to June 1, 10 a.m.

Per person fee of $25 includes one free bag of books. Additional bags of books: $15 on Saturday; $10 on Monday and Tuesday

Vintage TV and Fun Song Review

June 11, 11 a.m.

Vintage Debbie will be performing a 1950s-themed show with fun songs and television memories from that era.

B. F. Jones Memorial Library, Aliquippa

Tech2Evaluate

June 5, noon to 4 p.m.

Get instruction and assistance from technology specialists at Tech2Elevate for using smartphones, laptops, tablets, as well internet searches and various software (using the library’s computer lab). All ages welcome.

Carnegie Free Library of Midland

Book and Bake Sale

June 15, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Hundreds of new and gently used books, DVDs and CDs are available for purchase, plus dozens of fresh, homemade baked goods.

Chippewa Branch Library

Bingo for Adults

June 11, July 8, August 13, 11 a.m.

Free to play. Small prizes are awarded.

Book Club

Fourth Tuesday of each month, 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy discussing interesting titles. No reservations required. Call (724) 847-1450 for the book titles to be discussed.

Coloring Party

June 26, July 24, August 28, 11 a.m.

Come and relax at these themed coloring parties for adults. All supplies provided.

Laughlin Memorial Library, Ambridge

95th Birthday Bash

June 25, 1 p.m.

Vintage Debbie will entertain with a 1950s-themed Sock Hop show of music and memories in commemoration of the library’s 95th birthday.

Book Discussion Group

Fourth Saturday of each month, 10:30 a.m.

Enjoy discussing interesting titles. No reservations required.

Laugh-Learn-Quilt

First and third Mondays of each month, 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Work independently on your quilting projects and also teach others how to quilt. Adults only. Contact library for more details, as meeting times may vary.

Music Monday

Every Monday through October, 5 to 6 p.m.

Enjoy live music on the library porch. Free.

Needlecrafters

Every Tuesday, 4 to 6 p.m.

Work independently on your needlecraft projects and also teach younger generations how to knit, crochet and do other needlework. All ages welcome.

Tech2Evaluate

Every Monday and Thursday, noon to 4 pm Walk-ins welcome

Get instruction and assistance from technology specialists at Tech2Elevate for using smartphones, laptops, tablets, as well internet searches and various software (using the library’s computer lab). Walk-ins welcome.

Writers and Poets

Second Thursday of each month, 4:30 to 6 p.m.

Bring your writing to work on and to be critiqued.

Monaca Public Library

Acrylic Painting for Adults

Second Wednesday of each month, 5 p.m.

Local artist Sabrina Carter leads free acrylic painting classes for adults.

Common Threads

Second Saturday of each month, 11 a.m.

Bring your needlepoint, crochet or knitting project. Share your tips and learn crafts from others. For adults and teens.

Monday Senior Movie Classics

Fourth Monday of each month, 2:30 p.m.

Enjoy an afternoon matinee of a classic movie geared toward seniors. Light refreshments provided.

New Brighton Library

Mystery Book Club

Third Thursday of each month, 1 p.m.

A book club for people who love mystery novels and love to guess how the plots end.

To learn more, visit beaverlibraries.org.

Learn how to not be taken in by scams

The Beaver County Office on Aging is aware that many local older adults have been affected by scams. Please be careful not to lose your hard-earned money. Sometimes, people can recover some of their money while other times they cannot.

More people are being affected by romance scams. Today, people meet online through dating websites or apps. Scammers, who make fake profiles, will start talking to you frequently and can be very nice. It is not unusual for the person to start to request money for all types of reasons—visas, medical emergencies, and travel expenses, to name a few. Do not provide them with money, wire transfers, gift cards, bitcoin, or any other type of payment. Unfortunately, these people are just trying to get your money. It is best to quit speaking to them.

Sometimes a pop-up box or blank screen appears on your electronic device saying your equipment is damaged and needs to be fixed. It gives you a phone number to call, and they request you to grant remote access to your computer or demand a fee to have it repaired. Do not call or grant access to people you do not know. Most times, nothing is wrong. If they access your computer, it is possible they can access your online banking account, online shopping accounts and other private information.

Robo calls are still being made asking you to renew an auto warranty, claiming you are facing an impending lawsuit, claiming your Social Security number is being

used for illegal activity or saying there is a problem with an online order. Again, scammers will demand you act immediately and provide payment on these bogus claims by asking for prepaid debit cards, gift cards or wire transfers. Do not provide any of your personal information. Just hang up the telephone.

The best advice is not to act on anything. Scammers want you to decide immediately. Take time to think about the situation presented. Hang up the telephone on these requests, do not reply to these emails or text requests, close the pop-up boxes or shut down your computer. Then you can make a separate call to your financial institution or online shopping company with their regular telephone number to inquire if anything is wrong with your account. Call your family to consult with them. Or, call the Beaver County Office on Aging to discuss the situation with one of our Information and Referral Specialists.

Namath family name well known in Beaver County and beyond

Continued from page 1

that Dad was able to pass away without having to go to a nursing home and he still could recognize all of us. Dad was comical, charismatic and jovial until the very last day, taking everything in stride, and was involved in everything going on during the family Christmas holiday. In fact, on New Year’s Eve, he was on the phone, calling friends and family to wish everyone a happy

new year. He took a nap before the start of the Alabama game the next day and around halftime, my mother [Edith Namath, 87], couldn’t wake him. He went peacefully in his sleep, just as he wanted. Dad was laid out on January 5, his birthday. He would have been 86.”

While losing a parent is tough, it greatly emphasized for Frank, Michael and their family the importance of the business they are in. “This is what we do for a living. We deal with the senior market, veterans and the VA, and Medicare. The reason why I strive to be in front of as many seniors as possible is because they need someone who intimately knows the in’s and out’s of the medical and insurance systems and who can advocate for them. There are benefits to folks for using a Medicare broker as opposed to dealing directly with insurance carriers, for example. We give clients different options.”

Another arm of their company—a partnership with Beaver Valley Independent Insurance Group in Monaca—assists clients with home, auto and

Frank Namath, Sr.

Frank, Sr. with his legendary brother, Joe Namath.

Frank, Sr. with some of his family members.

commercial insurance, which enables Frank and Michael to focus on life insurance, long-term care and Medicare.

“What happens in this industry is that we get pigeonholed for just one thing, like home or auto. Because we are fully licensed in all aspects of the insurance industry, we can sit down with seniors and those who are nearing retirement age and say, ‘Okay, this is what you want to do? Here is how you can get there.’ We ask, ‘How’s your health? What do you value most and want to protect?’ We take the conversation from check -

ers to chess. Then we find the best solution for that individual.”

While his aunts and uncles have made a name for themselves in the insurance industry, they are quick to give recognition to their other family members’ achievements, as well. “My sister Lisa, 64, lives in Brighton Township and has had a successful nursing career in Atlanta, Georgia, before moving back home three years ago to work at Allegheny Health Network and to spend time with our parents. My Uncle John Namath, now deceased, was a master sergeant in the United States Army and worked at the U.S. Post Office. We are very proud of his service to our country and that he was one of the founding members of the Veteran’s Association in Beaver County. My Uncle Robert Namath, also now deceased, was a lifelong resident of Beaver County and worked for many years at Anchor Hocking in Monaca. And my Aunt Rita Sims, 86, of Vanport, served in the U.S. Air Force, is now a retired nurse, and was director of nursing at Friendship Ridge in Brighton Township. So yeah, the Namath family influence spans far and wide.”

Namath Insurance Advisors is located at 3401 Brodhead Road in Aliquippa. To learn more, call (724) 544-5155, email frank@namathinsurance. com or visit namathinsurance.com.

Frank Jr. and his parents (front) enjoying family time together with, Lisa, Michael, and Lisa (Michael’s wife).

Frank Sr. with his siblings and his mother, Rose.

with Vintage Debbie Walking Down Memory Lane

By Debbie Smith Wagner

It’s summertime … and that means balmy weather and plenty of celebrations! It’s the best season to get out and enjoy live music, picnics, parades and fireworks with friends and family. I hope the following answers from our readers inspire you to put on your party clothes and join in the summer fun!

What is your best party memory from your youth?

“A disco house party at a classmate’s home, complete with disco ball, lights and The Bee Gees on the stereo. I wore my first and only glittery crop top and bell bottoms.”

- Jody Milholland, Pittsburgh

“When I was eight years old, I had my ears pierced. I wore my new gold earrings from my oldest brother to a bonfire with neighbor kids. I believe we ate hot dogs and marshmallows.”

-Cheryl Chambers, Pittsburgh

“My parents had four children in five years, and our birthdays were all between mid-September and late October. We would have a family party on each birthday, then a combined birthday/Halloween party. Each of us were allowed to invite 10 friends. We lived in a large Victorian house so there was plenty of room and it was great fun, but it must have been chaos for my parents!”

-Judy Hoover, Beaver County

“I grew up in a family where everything was a party. We had a lot of cousins. We celebrated everyone’s birthday altogether. We visited each other’s homes at different days of the week during Christmas, and we were together for every other holiday.”

-Kathy Steines, Beaver County

“My best memory was my first boy-girl party in eighth grade. I remember the excitement, my pretty party dress, and that it was the first time I was permitted to wear nylon stockings and a little makeup. The boys

were still a little shy, and the girls so giddy, but we played the usual party games like “Spin the Bottle” and “Post Office.” Makes me smile to think how naive and innocent we all were at that age.

-Barbara Narcolli Aiken, Pittsburgh

“Grammy starting Christmas Eve with Brenda Lee music!”

-Erika Schaltenbrand, Pittsburgh

What is your favorite type of outside party?

“Bonfire.”

-Eddie Marx, Beaver County

“On my boat!”

-Judy Neville, Beaver County

“Luau on the beach.”

-Annemarie Ballas Tejan and Debbie Wagner, Beaver County

“The simple approach: Hot dogs and burgers (or mostly anything) on a grill.”

-Richard Gallagher, Beaver County

“Cookouts. So relaxing!”

-Frani Burge, Zelienople

“Porch party, for sure.”

-Jenda George, Pittsburgh

“On the patio with friends.”

-Ross Jennings

Vintage Debbie is a vintage history buff and performance artist with a unique style of era-specific music, dance and dress. She entertains area seniors through an interactive and fun music memory experience in Beaver, Lawrence and Butler counties. To learn more, follow Vintage Debbie’s World on Facebook, search Vintage Debbie’s music videos on YouTube, or view videos of her performances by visiting pittsburghseniornews.com. To book her for an event, email wagner. debbie@ymail.com.

Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin

Q A &

Senior Farmer’s Market Nutrition Program vouchers

Question: What is the Senior Farmers Market Nutrition voucher program?

Answer: The program provides seniors, who are nutritionally at risk, resources to acquire fresh, nutritious unprepared fruits and vegetables.

Question: What are the age and residency requiremennts?

Answer: The program is for Beaver County residents who are ages 60 and older by December 31, 2024.

Question: What are the income guidelines?

Answer: One person may have up to $27,861, and a two-person household may have up to $37,814.

Question: What is the value of the vouchers?

Answer: Each individual will receive five/$10 vouchers, a $50 value.

Question: Where can I use the vouchers?

Answer: Vouchers can be redeemed at Farmers Markets in Beaver County or any other Pennsylvania county.

Question: What can I purchase with the vouchers?

Answer: You may purchase Pennsylvania grown fruits, vegetables and cut herbs for cooking.

Question: How long do I have to use the vouchers?

Answer: Recipients have until November 30, 2024 to use the vouchers.

Question: How will the vouchers be distributed?

Answer: Vouchers will be distributed in person only at locations listed on page 10 of this issue of Beaver

County Senior News. Be sure to bring your photo identification with you to the distribution site.

Question: How can I get vouchers if I physically am not able to get to the distribution site?

Answer: You may designate a proxy to pick up your vouchers. An individual can be a proxy for up to four eligible older adults. Proxy forms must be completed correctly, signed by the eligible recipient as well as the proxy, and presented at the time of distribution.

Question: Where can I get a proxy form?

Answer: A proxy form is available in this issue of the Beaver County Senior News. Also, they can be picked up weekdays at Circle of Friends New Brighton, 1851 Third Ave., New Brighton, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.; Circle of Friends Conway, 305 11th St., lower level, Conway, weekdays between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.; or at Center at the Mall, Rural King Corridor, 284 Beaver Valley Mall Blvd., Center Township, between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday.

Question: Who sponsors the program?

Answer: The Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Program is a program of the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture. The Beaver County Office on Aging is the local agency designated to oversee distribution in our county.

Question: Where do I call if I have questions?

Answer: Circle of Friends Senior Community Center is distributing the vouchers. Call (724) 846-1959 or (724) 869-4224 Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin

2024 Beaver County Senior Farmers Market Voucher Distribution

Eligibility: You must be a Beaver County resident age 60 or older by December 31, 2024. The income limit is up to $27,861 for 1 person and up to $37,814 for 2 persons. Bring your ID with you.

Monday, June 24, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School Alumni Hall

One Lincoln Park, Midland

Tuesday, June 25, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Sound the Alarm Ministries

One Shekinah Way, Aliquippa

Friday, June 28, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Circle of Friends New Brighton

Madonna Hall 1851 Third Ave., New Brighton

Friday, July 12, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Salvation Army 514 Franklin Ave., Aliquippa

Tuesday, July 16, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Carnegie Free Library 1301 Seventh Ave., Beaver Falls

Thursday, July 18, 3 – 7 p.m.

Pavilion at Eighth St. and Park Rd. Eight St. and Park Rd., Ambridge

Friday, July 19, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

37th Street Park

Corner of 37th St. and Rt. 18, Beaver Falls

Tuesday, July 23, 3 - 6 p.m.

New Brighton Farmers Market

Diamond Milling Company 313 Fifth Ave., New Brighton

Saturday, July 27, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Beaver Farmers Market

Beaver County Courthouse

Beaver County Courthouse Parking Lot

810 Fourth St., Beaver

Tuesday, July 30, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Circle of Friends Conway 305 11th St., Conway

Friday, August 2, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Independence Township Community Center 104 School Rd., Aliquippa

Please be mindful of your health in the summer heat when you choose an outdoor distribution point. Vouchers will be distributed at the designated start time. The program is brought to you by the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture in cooperation with the Beaver County Office on Aging and Circle of Friends.

To learn more, call Circle of Friends at (724) 869-4224 or (724) 846-1959.

Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin

COMMONWEALTH OF PENNSYLVANIA

DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

SENIOR FARMERS’ MARKET NUTRITION PROGRAM

2024 ELIGIBILITY & PROXY FORM

RIGHTS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

I have been advised of my rights and obligations under the SFMNP. I certify that the information I have provided for my eligibility determination is correct, to the best of my knowledge. This certification form is being submitted in connection with the receipt of Federal assistance. Program officials may verify information on this form. I understand that intentionally making a false or misleading statement or intentionally misrepresenting, concealing, or withholding facts may result in paying the State agency, in cash, the value of the food benefits improperly issued to me and may subject me to civil or criminal prosecution under State and Federal law.

Standards for eligibility and participation in the SFMNP are the same for everyone, regardless of race, color, national origin, age, disability, or sex.

I understand that I may appeal any decision made by the local agency regarding my eligibility for the SFMNP.

Participant Name (print): Date (Person checks are for)

Address:

Telephone Number: Birthday (month/day/year)

Please check the box of the most appropriate identifier for each:

Ethnicity: Ethnicity Hispanic or Latino Not Hispanic or Latino

American Indian or Alaskan Native Asian Black or African American

Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander White

By signing this proxy for I acknowledge that my total household income is within the Income guidelines: $27,861 for 1 person in the household; or $37,814 for 2 people in the household and that I am 60 years old or older.

Participant’s Signature (Person checks are for)

Proxy Name (print): Date: (Person picking up the checks for participant)

Address:

Check Numbers Received:

Proxy’s Signature .

**The proxy must take this form to a distribution site in the county the participant resides in. DO NOT MAIL

Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin

USDA Nondiscrimination Statement

In accordance with federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex (including gender identity and sexual orientation), disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity.

Program information may be made available in languages other than English. Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication to obtain program information (e.g., Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language), should contact the responsible state or local agency that administers the program or USDA’s TARGET Center at (202) 720-2600 (voice and TTY) or contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339.

To file a program discrimination complaint, a Complainant should complete a Form AD-3027, USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form which can be obtained online at: https://www.usda.gov/sites/default/files/documents/ ad-3027.pdf, from any USDA office, by calling (866) 632- 9992, or by writing a letter addressed to USDA. The letter must contain the complainant’s name, address, telephone number, and a written description of the alleged discriminatory action in sufficient detail to inform the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights (ASCR) about the nature and date of an alleged civil rights violation. The completed AD-3027 form or letter must be submitted to USDA by:

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 1400 Independence Avenue, SW Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; or (2) fax: (833) 256-1665 or (202) 690-7442; or (3) email: program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Address: 1020 Eighth Ave. Beaver Falls, PA 15010

Office Hours: Monday-Friday 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Phone: (724) 847-2262 (local)

(888) 548-2262 (long distance)

TDD (724) 728-5700

Website: beavercountypa.gov/departments/office-on-aging

Beaver County Commissioners

Daniel C. Camp III, Chairman

Jack Manning

Tony Amadio

Protective Services for Older Adults

(724) 775-1786

(TO REPORT ABUSE, NEGLECT, AND EXPLOITATION - 24 HOURS)

Ombudsman

(724) 480-8589

ombudsman@bcoa.us

(to report resident rights issues in nursing homes, personal care homes and long-term care services) Services

• Information and Referral

• Care Management

• Benefits / PA MEDI – Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight

• Pre-admission Assessment

• Caregiver Support Program

• Domiciliary Care

• Ombudsman

• Adult Day Care

• Home Delivered Meals

• Homemaker

• Personal Care

• Legal Services

• Protective Services

• Senior Centers

• Transportation

Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin

Paying it forward and extending simple kindnesses to others makes a big impact

By Angela Gentile, Administrative Officer II Beaver County Office on Aging

“Paying it forward” describes the beneficiary of a good deed by repaying the kindness to others rather than paying it back to the original benefactor. The benefit is that it creates a ripple effect of kindness and inspires others to do the same. A small act of kindness can have a big impact on someone.

How do you start?

It does not have to be about having a lot of money or time. It can be as simple as paying for someone’s coffee, leaving an unused coupon next to a product in the grocery store, letting someone go in front of you in the checkout line, sending someone a positive text, sharing a book or even smiling at a stranger. You can do it anonymously or you can do it for people you know.

I was a “pay it forward” recipient during the pandemic in December 2020. I was purchasing groceries at Aldi, and when the cashier totaled my order, I mentioned that something was not correct as the bill was too low. The cashier explained that a customer had donated $30 and asked that these funds be applied toward another customer’s bill. The cashier had decided to split the funds over the next 10 customers, so she deducted the cost of my potatoes. I was ready to say that I am employed and doing okay, and that she did not need to deduct the

money from my bill. I looked behind me and saw five more customers waiting to be checked out. Not wanting to make them wait any longer than they needed to, I chose to not have her add the funds back. I decided to enjoy the kindness just offered to me.

I like paying it forward in late summer and early fall. I am a vegetable gardener, and if I have a good growing season, up to 12 families can benefit from my excess harvest. Here are some other ideas of things you can do to pay it forward and brighten the lives of others, especially older adults.

• Do some yardwork.

• Do some chores.

• Take out the trash.

• Cook or bake something to share—cookies, cake, soup, a meal.

• Treat them to a meal at a restaurant.

• Wash their vehicle.

• Visit with relatives and neighbors on their porch.

• Mail a card and write a positive, encouraging note.

• Call someone just to talk.

• Bring a plant or flowers to someone.

• Offer technology help with their flip phone or smart phone.

Are you interested in volunteering for the Beaver County Office on Aging?

We have different opportunities available. For information, contact Jason Chalupiak at 724-847-2262.

Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin

Circle of Friends

Senior Community Centers

Circle of Friends hosts fun activities and events!

CIRCLE OF FRIENDS CONWAY UPCOMING EVENTS

Daily Activities

• “Make It Take It” Monday crafts, first Monday of the month, 9 to 11 a.m.

• Healthy Steps in Motion, Mondays, 11 a.m. to noon

• Bingo, Mondays from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to noon

• Crafts with Nicole, first Tuesday of the month, 9 to 11 a.m.

• Green thumb gardening, third Tuesday of the month, 9 to 11 a.m.

• Diamond Dot craft class, second and fourth Tuesday of the month, 9 a.m. to noon

• Pinochle tournament, first and third Wednesday of the month, 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

• Bowling with seniors, second Wednesday of the month, 9:30 a.m. to noon

• Pokeno with breakfast, fourth Wednesday of the month, 930 a.m. to noon

• Healthy Steps in Motion, Fridays, 11 a.m. to noon

Summer Events

• June 10: Lunch and Learn, Diabetes Management, noon

• July 18: Lunch and Learn, Heart Healthy, noon

• TBD: Lunch and Learn, Men’s and Women’s Health

Conway Circle of Friends offers a variety of activities and events daily. Open Mondays through Thursdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Fridays, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Located at 305 11th St., lower level, Conway. Call or text (724) 869-4224.

CIRCLE

OF FRIENDS NEW BRIGHTON UPCOMING EVENTS

Daily Activities

• Exercise with Connie, Mondays and Fridays, 9 a.m.

• Bingo, Tuesdays, 10 a.m.

• Bible study, Wednesdays, 10 a.m.

• Beginner exercise, Tuesdays and Wednesdays, 11 a.m.

• Chair yoga, Thursdays, 10 a.m.

• Pool, Thursdays, 9 a.m.

• Diamond art, Fridays, 11 a.m.

• Pokeno, First and third Wednesdays of the month, 10 a.m.

• Card party, second Wednesdays of the month, 10 a.m.

Summer Events

• June 21: Indoor rummage sale, 8 a.m.

• June 18: Summer bingo, 10 a.m.

• July 2: Fourth of July bingo

• July 9: Tree family party pigs (for children), 12:15 p.m., $5 donation requested

• August 13: Dog days of summer bingo, 10 a.m.

Circle of Friends New Brighton 1851 Third Ave.

New Brighton PA 15066 Call or text (724) 846-1959

Sisters Pat and Zoey from Sisters of Saint Joseph visit with Mary Elaine Gagliardi from Pets With Hearts.

Unit 284

Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin

570 Beaver Valley Mall Blvd

Rural King Corridor

Inside the Mall

Monaca, PA 15061

724-774-5654

Center Hours

Mon - Thurs 8 a.m. - 7 p.m. Fri 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Check out our website www.centeratthemall.net or like us on Facebook www.facebook.com/centeratthemall

Exercise Classes

Member exercise classes are SilverSneakers, Renew Active, and Punch Pass eligible.

Chair Volleyball

Tuesday & Thursday at 11 a.m.

Monday, Wednesday, & Friday at 1 p.m.

SilverSneakers Classic

Monday, Wednesday, & Friday at 11 a.m.

Yoga

(sitting/standing only; no floor activities)

Tuesday & Thursday at 10 a.m.

SilverSneakers Circuit

Thursday at 9 a.m.

Cardio Sculpt

Monday & Friday at 9 a.m. or 10 a.m.

Belly Buster

Wednesday at 9 a.m. or 10 a.m.

Mix-It Up Cardio

Tuesday at 9 a.m.

30 Minutes of Strength

Tuesday at 8:15 a.m.

Room Rentals

(The Center has rooms available to rent, perfect for birthday parties, bridal showers, council meetings, graduations, etc.)

Room 1 - $60

Room 2 - $100

Room 4 - $25

Clubs, Groups, & Amenities

Art Club

Use provided materials or bring your own projects. Meets every Tuesday from 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.

Bible Study

First and third Thursday of each month from 10 - 11 a.m. Bingo

Every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:15 - 1:45 p.m. Cards are 25¢ each, payouts relative to number of players.

Café Area (always available)

Coffee, tea, and water. Donation of $1 is appreciated.

Caregiver Support Group

Meets the last Friday of each month from 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. Allows caregivers to share in a supportive environment.

Bus Trips

Overnight and day trips to various destinations. You must pre -register/pre-pay.

Computer Lab & Library (always available)

Computers with internet access. Computer and iPhone classes available throughout the year ($). Honor system library.

Crochet and Knitting Club

Every Tuesday from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Fitness Center

Complete gym with staff on hand to provide instruction. Complimentary to SilverSneakers or Renew Active members. Self-pay options available for others.

Game Day (New!)

Every Wednesday 2 - 4 p.m. Games provided Genealogy Club (New!)

Meets first Tuesday of each month from 2 - 3 p.m. Discuss and exchange resources for discovering your family tree.

Mah-Jongg

Meets every Thursday from 12:30 - 3 p.m.

Line Dancing

Class meets Wednesday and Friday 10 - 11 a.m. ($)

Lunch

Nutritional lunches every day from 11:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. $3

donation for ages 60+; $6 fee for ages 50 -59. Must preregister one business day in advance.

Organ Club

Wednesdays from 10 - 11 a.m. Note: this club is not for beginners, must have some experience. ($)

Pinochle Club

Every Thursday from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.

Pool Tables (always available)

The Center has two 8ft tables, all skill levels welcome. Shuffleboard Club

Tabletop version, meets 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Tuesday of each month 1:30 - 3 p.m.

Beaver County Office on Aging Bulletin

New type of “microtransit” public transportation service to debut in Midland this year

By Gina Mazza

For Beaver County Senior News

Same-day, on-demand transportation services like Uber and Lyft are ubiquitous these days. Often referred to by the public transportation industry as “microtransit”, this customized and convenient form of transportation is quickly gaining traction in the public transit industry, and it’s about to come to Beaver County.

The Beaver County Transit Authority (BCTA) is in the process of rolling out a new and expanded transportation service, called “BCTA Connect”, for the community of Midland. As part of its pilot project, BCTA Connect can be used by Midland residents to travel to various destinations in Calcutta, Ohio.

“BCTA is proud to begin a new era in public transportation in Beaver County—one with more customized service and connectivity within our Beaver County communities,” comments BCTA General Manager Mary Jo Morandini. “This is just the start of BCTA’s longerrange plan; but the meantime, we hope the residents of Midland will utilize this same-day, on-demand service to enhance accessibility and their quality of lives.”

The six-month pilot of BCTA Connect is expected to start in late summer or early fall 2024. Its inception has been well over a year in the making, with BCTA management meeting with riders, community leaders, employers, human service agencies and other stakeholders to gain input on their future vision.

The community of Midland was determined to be a high priority for the service because its 2,661 residents remain isolated from any urban center, with no nearby grocery stores, doctors’ offices or banks. According to the most recent U.S. census, 30.8 percent of Midland’s population is below poverty level, 20.2 percent are el-

derly, 20.8 percent are disabled and 14 percent do not have automobiles. The service offers low-income communities greater access to medical care, jobs, and basic goods and services.

BCTA Connect will be easy and affordable to use. Riders simply use a mobile app to schedule their trips, or by calling BCTA customer service directly to schedule an on-demand, same-day trip (much like a taxi or ridesharing service). A vehicle, most likely vans equipped with cameras, will pick up riders curbside in Midland where other fixed-route transportation services is not a viable option.

Features of BCTA Connect include:

• Mobile App: BCTA Connect riders will be able to schedule same-day trips on the mobile app or by calling BCTA Customer Service directly.

• Curb-to-Curb Service: BCTA Connect will pick up riders from the curb in front of their residences and drop them off at their destinations in the Calcutta service zone.

• Accessible Vehicles: BCTA Connect vehicles are equipped with wheelchair lifts and high roofs.

• Specific Zones: The destination zone will be concentrated along Route 170 near places of employment, medical facilities, grocery stores, restaurants, recreation, and educational opportunities.

• Affordable Fares: Rides will be approximately $2 to $3 each way, with discounts for children; exact fares are still being determined.

• Service Hours: Service will be available from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every Monday through Friday. If successful, these hours could service could expand to 12 hours a day—from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 pm.

The zone in Calcutta, Ohio runs about 1.5 miles long from Heritage Valley to the north, Walmart to the south and extending 3/4 mile to the west of 170. The service area has nearly 50 destinations. Riders can then conveniently pick up the Columbiana Area Rural Transit System (CART) to travel to destinations in East Liverpool, Ohio.

To learn more about BCTA Connect, including a route map and rollout schedule, visit bcta.com.

Crossword Puzzle

Across

1. In pumps, perhaps

5. Irrational motives

10. Part of U.S.D.A.: Abbr.

14. ____ E. Coyote

15. Actor Sam

16. Columbus’ state

17. “___ please the court...”

18. Draft

20. Be generous

21. Gastric acid, in short

22. Allen and Herman

23. Apple instant-messaging program

25. The, in Italian

26. Short break in activity

28. Young troop member

33. Joining word

34. Pole for a clown

36. Jittery

37. Without a date

39. Spammer’s medium

41. Not fatty

42. “___ whoop!”

44. Penh preceder

46. IRS employee (abbr.)

47. Couples

49. Reacts to a sour note

51. Law, in Lyon

52. Little hooter

53. Code

57. Farm youth org.

58. The other team, briefly

61. Envision in one’s sleep

63. Courtroom

Down

1. Hearty swallow

2. Like some stereos

3. “The Wonder Years” actress

4. Catch sight of

5. Not modest

6. Flinch, for instance

7. Vince of country music

8. Plumbing joint

9. At a snail’s pace

10. Extinct bird

11. Olmert or Barak

12. Sympathy

13. Stocking stuffers, say

19. Pass off (on)

24. Early Church reformer Jan

25. Gained admission

26. Is lacking

27. Trailing behind

28. Mild depression, with “the”

29. Animation pic

30. Flash drama, e.g.

31. Copy editor’s concern

32. Revival structures

35. Kennedy Airport architect

38. WWII soldiers

40. Tidal mark

43. Jewish folklore creature

45. Army and navy (abbr.)

48. It may need boosting

50. Web-based virtual animal

52. Not just decorative

53. 406, to Caesar

54. Levin, et al.

55. Wavy style

56. Makes bales

57. Restaurant offering

59. Job extra

60. Not mad

62. Neighbor of Per.

BEAVER FALLS PLAZA

1008 Seventh Ave., Beaver Falls (724) 843-4822

Two BR Vacancies Immediate Occupancy

• 24 Hour Emergency Maintenance

• On-site Management and Maintenance

• Carpet/Blinds on All Windows

• Individually Controlled Heat & Air Conditioning

• Generous Closet Space • Potential Rapid Occupancy • No Application Fee

•All Utilities Included in Rent • Income Limits Apply:

• 1 Person hh...$17,850 • 2 Persons hh...$20,400 Maximum income for eligibility

1

HUD

Koppel Terrace Senior Apartments

Francis A. Farmer Apartments

www.beavercountyhousing.org